DICK PELHAM (Richard Ward Pell),
like Billy Whitlock, made his first appearance in his native city in “O, Hush,” in 1835. February 13, 1840, he danced against John Diamond in New York City.
November 14, 1842, he appeared at the Franklin Theatre in New York, and on January 16, 1843, he had a benefit at the Amphitheatre, on which occasion he appeared in sixteen songs and dances, and played in the farce “Negro Assurance;” yet we think continuous performances are of recent origin. After the dissolution of the original four in England, Mr. Pelham played an extended engagement at Sadler’s Wells Theatre in London. April 22, 1844, in conjunction with Dan. Emmett, Frank Brower and Joe Sweeney, they reorganized their little band and opened in Dublin, Ireland; at the Theatre Royal, afterwards, appearing in Cork, Belfast, Glasgow and Edinburgh, after which they disbanded.
Mr. Pell subsequently organized Pell’s Serenaders, and played all the large cities in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. His last appearance was at Birmingham, England, August 19, 1856.
| BILLY WHITLOCK | DICK PELHAM |
| DAN. EMMETT | FRANK BROWER |
The above four performers gave in New York City, February 6, 1843, the first minstrel performance ever given; they were known as the Virginia Minstrels.
| R. BISHOP BUCKLEY | JAS. BUCKLEY | SWAINE BUCKLEY |
| FRED. BUCKLEY | ||
| THE ORIGINAL BUCKLEY SERENADERS. | ||
Dick Pelham was born in New York City, February 13, 1815; he died in Liverpool, England, October 8, 1876.